HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So can I just cut a coconut in half and sand it down to make a hide? I don't think the coconuts ive got are organic

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

I've done it before but it's harder than you'd think to saw the coconuts, came out really lopsided.

There are shops on Etsy that sell homemade coconut hides.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Okay, I'm fairly handy with tools as I'm a carpenter. I think I'll give it a try, just wanted to check it's okay. I'll post my results, I'll be attempting it shortly.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Results are in. Took me a sec but I found the right cutter to use, and here is my first home made coconut hide. Do I really need to sand it or can I leave it rough? Let me know what you guys think

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

It looks great!

Thank you, it was kind of fun to make. I will definitely be making more. I feel I'm going to end up with way more coconut hides than I need can I give them the meat from the coconut which isn't organic? I'm sure they would be thrilled to have fresh coconut meat

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Our crabs love the coconut meat. We even offer the coconut water to our crabs too. You need to dehydrate the coconut bits of they get moldy within a few days.

Thanks motorcrab! I will be sure to dehydrate it, they'll be super happy for a new treat

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

I've made my share of coconut hides from fresh coconuts from the store too. They can be a bear to get open and to get the meat out of! The first time I offered the fresh meat to my crabs they went nuts for it but never again did I get the same response.

Yours look great and seeing as how you have carpentry experience, this is probably nothing you don't already know, but it might be helpful to someone else.

I found a jigsaw was best for cutting out the opening and for trying to get it moderately level. I also cut parallel ridges in the outsides of mine with cut off discs to make climbing over it easier on esp the smooth ones. Also, make the opening bigger than you think you'll need. I drill holes along the base so I can zip tie them to other levels and while it hasn't happened, I always worry they'll get stuck! It's not as important if it's just sitting on the sand. They still all manage to pile into one or two rather than use the available ones though!

[That's Magpie checking out the Stranger Things hide...there's another coconut 'upside down' underneath that one, and with that info, you can probably figure out what the gourd is supposed to be....]

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

Thanks vickie! I honestly didn't even think of my jig saw for some reason and ended up doing everything with a reinforced cutoff disk on a dremmel. I will definitely try a jig saw on the opening next time as that sounds way easier lol. Your hides are awesome, and I will definitely be using the grooves for climbing, I love it.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Looks awesome! You mentioned sanding it...but I’ve noticed my crabs like to pick at the husk. Maybe yours will too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You're right casey, they loved the husk, I ended up leaving it on lol. My biggest loves ripping pieces off

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

My crabs love coconut huts and coconut meat. It is a healthy option for them!

You all are making me want to make some huts! But my crabs are too big to fit in the opening of a coconut hut! my smallest is a large, and my biggest is a XL getting to jumbo...